Without actually saying so, today's passage from St John implies that Peter had already died when this chapter was written, just as tomorrow's passage implies that John had also died when it was written. This dates Chapter 21, and perhaps the whole Gospel, to a time after the death of at least some of the Apostles, specifically the core group of Peter, James and John. Some scholars used to think that this Gospel was written perhaps several hundred years after the death of Jesus and his Apostles. Hence, it had little value for a knowledge of his life and teaching.

Though John's is almost certainly the last Gospel written, most of it was written within the first century. We also realize now that a late date for the composition of the Gospel does not mean that its contents are distant from the life of Jesus. Modern scholarship allows us to have greater confidence in the historical and doctrinal value of the Fourth Gospel. From an early age, the Church sensed this great value, so that the writings of St John provided the favourite reading at the two great feasts of Christmas and Easter. Their contemplative atmosphere leads us into a greater understanding of the meaning of Jesus for us.